By The Numbers
If legal, marijuana would be a $40-billion-a-year industry in the U.S.
Though not nearly as popular as alcohol or tobacco, marijuana has become part of the nation's social fabric. Some 30 million Americans consume cannabis in the average year.
Decriminalized in 11 states and legal for medical purposes in 14, marijuana is no longer considered an enemy of the people in many quarters.
Click ahead to see how marijuana stacks up across the country.
Posted 20 April 2010
Source: Federal and state agencies.
Number of Americans Using Marijuana
Between 10.1 percent to 10.7 percent have used pot on an any annual basis in the last decade.
AP/CNBC Poll: How Does America Feel About Pot?
State With the Most Arrests
With five arrests per 1,000 residents, Maryland had the most marijuana-related arrests of any state in the nation in 2008. *
State by State Guide: Maryland Marijuana Facts
*Small difference between Census Bureau and FBI population data.
Largest State Seizure
About 1.25 million pounds of marijuana was seized in Texas. Authorities say states bordering Mexico get the most attention.
State By State Guide: Texas Marijuana Facts
Largest Potential Fine (For Possession)
Getting caught with marijuana in Okalahoma could be costly. The fine for possession can be as much as $10,000, the highest in the country. Florida and Louisiana also have relatively tough laws.
Smallest Potential Fine (For Possession)
Alaska and Georgia have the most lenient penalties on marijuana. Neither imposes a fine. Fines in California, New York, Oregon and New Mexico are also relatively light, ranging between $0-$100.
Complete State By State Marijuana Guide
Most Medical Marijuana Patients
Oregon is home to the most medical marijuana patients, with 32,929 card holders in the state. Oregon's total population was 3.8 million in 2009.
Slideshow: A Gallery of Medical Marijuana
First State To Decriminalize
Oregon decriminalized small amounts of non-medical marijuana in 1973. Those found with small amounts of the drug paid only a fine.
Cost of Medical Marijuana
An ounce of medical marijuana in Denver, Colo. costs an average of $350 and lasts about six weeks for the average patient. Colorado is one of 14 states to legalize medical marijuana use.
State By State Guide: Colorado Marijuana Facts
State With The Least Arrests
In Hawaii, there was one marijuana arrest per 1,000 cases in 2008, the least per—capita rate of any state in the nation.
State By State Guide: Hawaii Marijuana Facts
*Small difference between Census Bureau and FBI population data.
Smallest State Seizure
Wyoming seized the least amount of marijuana of any state in the country — just over 6 ounces. Wyoming is also the least populous state in the nation.
State By State Guide: Wyoming Marijuana Facts